Horse Hay and Manure may contain Herbicides

[Pippin Limbertwig]

A warning to pass along. Before loading up on hay or manure ask about herbicide use.

Broadleaf weeds are being controlled in horse pastures and hayfields with Milestone and Forefront. This stuff passes through the horse and remains active in manure - as well as remaining active on uneaten hay. Apparently you can wipe out your garden with this hay as mulch.

Cattle people generally like clover in their hay and fields and so utilize other herbicides. My concern with cattle manure is wormers that will continue to kill dung-eating beetles and other decomposers. Avermectins are the group I aware of - common brand name is Ivomectin. This is very commonly used in alpacas and llamas as well.

[applestar]

Ooh! I was about to embark on hay search because I want to experiment with Ruth Stout style gardening. I knew about the possible herbicide and dewormer contamination in horse manure, but had not made the mental connection to hay.

Thanks for the reminder. I'll be sure to ask for mixed with clover/alfalfa hay.

... do you suppose oat/wheat straws could be contaminated with the herbicide too?

[The Helpful Gardener]

Straw denotes harvested grains, which I would think to be less likely contaminated...

HG